Significant updates for Minecraft have been making the rounds amongst fans of the popular videogame series in recent days. Last week, Mojang released a snapshot of the upcoming Minecraft Update 1.9. At this time, the release date for Update 1.9 has not been confirmed. Meanwhile, 0.13.0 Beta for the Minecraft Pocket Edition is out.

New Update 1.9 Snapshot Reveals Additional Features

Under the designation 15w46a, a snapshot for Update 1.9 confirms major improvements to the gameplay.

For instance, mobs will no longer spawn on rails, powered rails, detector rails and activator rails. Also, players will be able to sprint without abruptly stopping. They can also not spawn in blocks that have buttons, tripwire hooks, pressure plates, levers, redstone torches, redstone repeaters, comparators or redstone dust.

Some issues are being addressed as well. One issue reportedly solved is an annoying bug that causes third-person view to switch over to first-person when the player's head enters into a block.

Other fixes target boats inexplicably sinking into water, and guardians spawning in random spots. Doors now have placement sounds. Also, end portal frames will not behave like solid blocks. The redstone dust hitbox has been modified. A few loot changes will be implemented.

Rabbit sizes have been reduced by a little. Also, the creature can spawn in deserts, flower forests, taiga, mega taiga, cold taiga, ice plains, ice mountains, ice plains spikes and hills. Players will find that rabbits panic a lot faster. Additionally, rabbits will no longer place begging for food as priority over mating. A full list of new features can be found here.

Pocket Edition 0.13.0 Update Released

In the meantime, Android users have gotten a new update for the device version of Minecraft. Albeit, the so-called Pocket Edition 0.13.0 Update comes in beta form. Mojang has not said when the final update will be rolling out. Notable new features include Redstone Blocks. In this category, there are Redstone Wire, Buttons, Levers, Redstone, Tripwires, Pressure Plates, Detector Rails, Lamps and Torches.

Changes also include tweaks to the mobs. Ghasts and slimes spawn a lot faster, and skeleton will flee from wolves. Also, sheep will now fall victim to wolves. Villages will either follow or stay.

Those interested in participating with the beta can do so after signing a disclaimer agreement with Mojang. Bear in mind, that untested update may make the installed app game unstable. Players whom have never played Minecraft can easily download and install the game on their handsets for just $6.99.